Before I say I Do…

Skipping bride prep photos may be a decision that you regret. Certainly, the march, the vow exchange and other key junctures in the wedding itself are picture worthy. But some moments that occur earlier in the day would make for excellent permanent memories. For example, capturing the busy moments that the bride spends with her bridesmaids and maid of honour may showcase the close bonds and excitement of the day before anyone tires out. Imagine someone reaching up to adjust a wisp of errant bridal hair that may get in the way of the veil, another attendant touching up the bride’s lipstick. These moments convey how much her chosen ones want her day to be perfect in every way.

Before the ceremony, the anticipation is high, the intensity escalates and the images of what will be is dancing in the heads of all involved.

Post-wedding day recall is nothing like having those memories frozen in time through photographs.

Even the groom and his groomsmen are adjusting and preparing for what’s to come. He is getting ribbed by the boys. Here an elbow in the side and there a vignette is shared that lightens the moment and makes them throw their heads back in laughter.

Full day photo coverage can make sure that a broad swath of experiences and enduring time-honored wedding day scenes are captured. The photographer(s) have a lot to capture, and key moments are on the must-have list. With full day coverage, the early prep pictures of the bride and groom before they become a unit are premium. There’s also glowing family members like the grandparents who dressed meticulously for the occasion and the little girls who will later drop rose petals in the bride’s pathway, the attendants – all of these are significant shots that the photographer(s) hate to see you miss out on.

From experience, photographers know that these too are precious moments. Some of these people may not be around in future years, some will travel back to distant cities and towns before long, many only show up at such rare family occasions.

To sum it up, here are some of those moments that brides often put on the chopping block when they opt for shorter coverage:

The gorgeous bride in the prep room

The bride getting her lovely veil adjusted

Someone dusting on or touching up the bride’s make-up

The groom before the tone of the day gets serious, which is when he sees his bride

Cute children in the wedding party before they get stage fright from all those eyes on them

A wedding happens in a flash, the exchange of vows do not take very long. However, there is so much more to the wedding day than those minutes in the sanctuary. This special time represents a day that will be emblazoned on the hearts of many. The whole day is full of meaning, encased in a type of glory. If the bride total photography time is two hours, then the groom’s will only take 45 minutes, and then they are on to build their lives together. Decisions, and many of them are standard for weddings. They produce lasting effects, whether they are the best ones or not. Making sure the photography-related decisions are the right ones can spare the nuptials from regrets in future days.